Curt’s daughter Gabby will pitch for the Salve Regina (Newport, RI) softball team next year, and the proud dad offered her a congratulations on Twitter.

Some users took this as an invitation to bash the ex-Red Sox pitcher and his family, tweeting some pretty vulgar things in reply.

Curt fought back with a post on his official blog site, and exposed the identities of these trolls for all to see. Some of these people have even been fired as a result of Schilling’s blog.

98.5 The Sports Hub’s Felger & Massarotti offered their take on the situation Tuesday afternoon.

“What was being posted on Twitter in regards to Curt Schilling’s daughter was repugnant, sure, but it’s Twitter. It’s a cesspool. You know what you’re getting into when you use Twitter and social media — for better or worse, ” said headlines guy Jim Murray.

“To be all high and mighty about this, like Curt Schilling has kind of been, I think he’s almost as bad as some of the guys tweeting at him. It was a poor joke what some of those guys were doing. It was a dumb joke in bad taste, but for these guys to lose their job and for him to sit there and be like, ‘Ha-ha-ha gotcha!’, I think that’s just as gross. He just seems a little bit pompous about the whole thing, but then again I don’t have kids.”

Tony Massarotti, who has stopped looking at Twitter mentions altogether because of stuff like this, was disgusted by the whole thing.

“The stuff that was said about his daughter? Vile. Beyond vile. Losers. Like, what did you think was going to happen? The anonymity of some of this stuff on Twitter and on the web, people think they can say and do whatever they want without any repercussions. And you know what? It’s the guy’s daughter for crying out loud! What are you doing? Losing their jobs, and Schilling reacting as he did, we can argue over that part of it. But the comments? You’re a loser. Please. Some of that stuff was just disgusting. Brutal,” said Mazz.

Mike Felger has a simple solution for Schilling to avoid these problems in the future.

“Curt, get off Twitter! Turn it off and the problem is over!” shouted Felger. “Why do you have to be on Twitter? You know what Twitter is? It’s the world. People suck! People suck. And if you open yourself up to all the sucky people, you’re going to get suckiness thrown back into your face. So just turn it off! It’s such a preventable tragedy it’s not even funny.”

Listen below for the entire conversation:

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/03/03/felger-curt-schilling-should-get-off-twitter/feed/0Heyman: Red Sox Could Get Cliff Lee Without Giving Up Betts & Swiharthttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/03/03/heyman-red-sox-could-get-cliff-lee-without-giving-up-betts-swihart/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/03/03/heyman-red-sox-could-get-cliff-lee-without-giving-up-betts-swihart/#commentsTue, 03 Mar 2015 18:52:35 +0000ACEhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=615482The Red Sox are exploring another Phillies pitcher, which could be a more attractive option for Boston.]]>BOSTON (CBS) – The Red Sox and Phillies have engaged in an intense staring match this offseason and spring over left-hander Cole Hamels, with both teams unwilling to budge on their demands to make the trade happen.

Philadelphia is rebuilding, and after finishing dead last in the American League East in 2014, Boston has the most expensive team in franchise history, but is believed to be one ace pitcher short of being a true contender.

“To me, if I’m Philly, I don’t blame them for holding out for a great prospect. You have an asset there [in Hamels] and you need to get something great for him,” Heyman said. “I understand they’re only three-sevenths of the way through the rebuild; they really need to trade Jonathan Papelbon and Ryan Howard. But I also think they need to trade Hamels and Cliff Lee.”

Cliff Lee, 35, is coming off a year where he started just 13 games and missed considerable time with a strained left elbow. However, Lee is one year removed from being named an All-Star and having a sub-3.00 ERA.

Heyman says the Red Sox are exploring Cliff Lee now too.

“I think the Boston people do like Lee. If Lee pitches very well at the beginning of the year and shows that he’s healthy, they could get Lee without giving up Swihart or Betts. I know Philly would like [Shane] Victorino. Maybe they can make something there work. If you’re adamant about keeping Betts and Swihart, then Lee would be the guy to focus on if you’re Boston.”

Heyman also talked about Alex Rodriguez at DH, Josh Hamilton’s relapse, pace of play and much more.

Listen below:

For a Red Sox-specific discussion, Zolak & Bertrand caught up with Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe, who’s down in Fort Myers.

Why is there such little competition in spring training? Shaughnessy says the job security on this Red Sox team right now is unheard of for a last place team.

Shaughnessy also talked about the starting rotation, Joe Kelly and much more.

Listen below:

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/03/03/heyman-red-sox-could-get-cliff-lee-without-giving-up-betts-swihart/feed/2Ferraro On Toucher & Rich: Peter Chiarelli’s Job In Jeopardyhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/03/03/ferraro-on-toucher-rich-peter-chiarellis-job-in-jeopardy/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/03/03/ferraro-on-toucher-rich-peter-chiarellis-job-in-jeopardy/#commentsTue, 03 Mar 2015 15:59:43 +0000ACEhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=615357Former NHL player and current TSN broadcaster Ray Ferraro gave his take on the trade deadline moves around the league.]]>BOSTON (CBS) - Former NHL player and current TSN broadcaster Ray Ferraro called in to 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich on Tuesday to give his take on the trade deadline moves around the league.

The Boston Bruins made some minor moves, but nothing earth-shattering or franchise-altering in their acquisitions of Brett Connolly and Max Talbot.

Because of the losses of Jarome Iginla and Johnny Boychuk, Ferraro hasn’t been high on the Bruins at any point this season. But with that being said, overall he liked what the Bruins did on Monday, even though it won’t result in a Stanley Cup.

“If they get in the playoffs, they can win a round. But I just don’t see them putting together two and three rounds. It’s so hard to win a playoff series, and then to build momentum to go to the next one. If you’re going to win a couple of series, then everybody has to be playing near their peak, and that hasn’t happened at all this season,” Ferraro said of the Bruins.

“And you need depth [in the postseason], because somebody is going to get hurt. The Bruins don’t have any. I don’t know how that gets fixed now that the deadline is over.”

Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli has been the subject of scrutiny for the team being so tight against the cap, resulting in a team barely clinging to a playoff spot.

Ferraro says it’s playoffs or bust for the team executive.

“I don’t see how [Chiarelli’s job] is not [in jeopardy]. The comments from Mr. Jacobs and Cam Neely, the Bruins have set such a high standard that I would think anything less than making it in would not be very easy for them to swallow,” Ferraro told T&R.

“Yeah, I do believe his job is in jeopardy, and if his job is in jeopardy then Claude Julien’s job is in jeopardy too. Because I would suspect if they go to a new GM then they would go to a new coach as well.”

Also during the interview, Fred reveals to the guest that he and his wife first knocked boots after a Ray Ferraro bobblehead night in Atlanta.

McCourty wasn’t sure what to expect on Monday, but now that the tag has been placed on Gostkowski, the safety admitted that there’s a greater chance he’s playing football somewhere other than New England in 2015.

“I guess it’s more realistic now that [there’s] a chance that I might not be back there. Or there’s still a chance that I will, but I guess [there’s] more of a chance now with the franchise tag going to Steve that I could be playing in a different place,” McCourty told ESPN on Monday. “Still, keeping an open mind and trying to enjoy the process.”

This is the first time in his career that McCourty will be a free agent. The Patriots selected him with the 27th overall pick in the 2010 draft, and he has since established himself as one of the better safeties in the NFL. McCourty had 10 tackles and an interception in the playoffs this past postseason, including five tackles in the Super Bowl.

In the regular season, he made 68 tackles to go with a pair of interceptions.

“I’m not surprised really,” McCourty said of the Patriots tagging Gostkowski. “I know [the Patriots] always know what they’re doing, as far as the team, and what they want to do. So, just seeing what’s next for me.”

McCourty, who has served as a New England team captain in each of the last four seasons, said he wants to remain a member of the Patriots.

“I want to play there, but I also understand it’s a business. I don’t want to play there no matter what, but I want to be back. We’ll have to see how it works out,” he said.

McCourty said he would be meeting with his agent on Tuesday to plan his offseason. NFL free agency officially begins on March 10.

The feud involves Nick Young, aka Swaggy P, of the Los Angeles Lakers and SportsCenter anchor Robert Flores. Flores took a shot on live television at Young’s girlfriend and rapper Iggy Azalea.

Watch below:

“I don’t really understand the point. Is he trying to do like an open mic, or is he doing a monologue like a Jimmy Fallon or David Letterman? I know SportsCenter is supposed to be funny, but all of those guys are gone,” Keefe said Monday night. “I didn’t care for it, and I guess I wasn’t the only one who didn’t care for it.”

Swaggy P took offense to the out-of-nowhere attack, and responded to Flores on Twitter, although the tweets have since been deleted.

All that remains is this:

Its cool to talk about me all day any day I find with that, I can take a joke .. That what I do joke, but I didn't see the point of that

Keefe applauds Young for sticking up for his lady, and thinks the charge of “killing hip hop” is unfounded.

“I think she’s decent. I think there’s a lot of makeup going on there, if we’re being honest. I think there’s a good amount of makeup. But her and Swaggy P are a nice young couple that we can all rally behind. I like him defending his lady. Trying to kill hip hop? I don’t see it that way. She’s a talented little lady.”

Jerebko has been a great fit so far in Boston since the NBA trade deadline, although his arrival to the city came with less fanfare than the highly-advertised Isaiah Thomas.

Jerebko plays a very unique style for a 6-foot-10 power forward. He can knock down threes and also grab rebounds, and in his short time here he’s made a new friend in Max.

The Adam Jones Show producer Josh Deering put together some of Jerebko’s best moments so far in this audio highlight track.

Listen below!

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/03/03/cedric-maxwell-loves-jonas-jerebko/feed/3Buy Or Sell? Bruins Will Win More Playoff Games Than Celticshttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/03/03/buy-or-sell-bruins-will-win-more-playoff-games-than-celtics/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/03/03/buy-or-sell-bruins-will-win-more-playoff-games-than-celtics/#commentsTue, 03 Mar 2015 13:16:10 +0000ACEhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=615303It was a Buy Or Sell Monday night on The Adam Jones Show's Game Of Jones!]]>BOSTON (CBS) – It was a Buy Or Sell Monday night on The Adam Jones Show’s Game Of Jones!

Buy Or Sell? Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli Will Still Be Employed By The Team Next Season

Peter Chiarelli. (WBZ-TV)

“I’m going to buy it. I think that he is going to be here, much to the chagrin of frustrated fans out there. I think he’ll be the GM next year,” said Keefe. “I think if he really thought that he only had a couple months left on the job, wouldn’t he have traded more of the future away? Wouldn’t you be all in and maybe try to win a round if you were so afraid? Clearly that’s not what they did today. I’ll buy him being back next season.”

Buy Or Sell? Devin McCourty And Darrelle Revis Will Both Be Back With Patriots Next Season

“I’m gonna sell it. I’m scared to death of it. I think Revis is back. I think Patriots offer him just enough money, whether it’s the highest paid or damn-near close to the highest paid corner in the NFL. I think he’s back. But the more and more I think about it Devin McCourty is going to go somewhere else, unless he loves New England so much he’s willing to take a crazy hometown discount,” said Keefe.

Buy Or Sell? Bruins Will Win More Games In Playoffs Than Celtics Will

(Photos by Getty Images)

“I’ll buy that, even though I think the Celtics are more fun to watch right now. The Celtics just seem to be playing a more entertaining style right now, especially after the Isaiah Thomas trade. Jonas Jerebko has his own super mix that people are playing. There’s a lot to be excited now with the Celtics knowing they’re not a title contender. But they’re not even in the playoffs right now,” said Keefe. “They still have their work to do just to get in, so they may very well miss. In fact, I think they’re gonna miss. The Bruins are going to make the playoffs, and one is more than none.”

P.K. Subban celebrates his goal against the Bruins in Game 3. (Photo by Francois Laplante/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)

“I’m gonna buy it. I know crazy things happen and you can’t just pick the top team in the conference to go on to the Cup Finals. For example: Nashville has the most points in the NHL and I don’t think they’ll make the Cup Finals. Montreal has the most points in the Eastern Conference and I do think they’ll make it,” said Keefe. “They have a goalie that’s playing better than anybody, they’ve got P.K. Subban and they’ve got Max Pacioretty who’s already over 30 goals now. I think that’s going to be enough. I think they get back there.”

Buy Or Sell? Isaiah Thomas Is The Most Exciting Boston Athlete Right Now

“He’s a guy with enormous potential, but he just hasn’t realized it yet for whatever reason down in Tampa. It’s up to them as an organization to get this guy and keep this guy going in the right direction,” said Beers.

Beers noted that the Bruins placed right wing Craig Cunningham on waivers, which frees up another roster spot for a potential deal. The Bruins could add another roster player via trade before the deadline, as the B’s have 22 players inked on a 23-man roster.

“I don’t believe that they’re done yet. I’ve got to believe that this frees up for a current roster player to be moved. If they finished right now, they’re going to play Montreal in the first round. That’s an awfully tough matchup for the Bruins,” said Beers.

“Every contender in the Eastern Conference has made a significant move going forward. Everyone in the East sees the East as a wide open conference that can be won by anybody.”

The Bruins acquired forward Brett Connolly from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for two second-round picks. The picks are for the 2015 and 2016 NHL drafts.

For more on Connolly, 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak & Bertrand welcomed in Joe Smith from the Tampa Bay Times to hear his scouting report on what kind of player the Bruins are getting.

Connolly was drafted No. 6 overall in the 2010 draft and was making just $850,000 this year for Tampa, so Beetle was curious why the Lightning would trade a player like that.

“Brett’s taken an interesting road. He played a lot as a rookie; probably more than he was ready for. He was up and down [early on] and right now I think he’s kind of coming into his own a little bit in the second half of the year. He’s really bought into the bottom-six role, and he’s really bought into the physical aspect and has a little more bite to his game, playing with an edge. I think he’s rounding out his game, and that should be a value to the Boston Bruins.”

Coach Claude Julien’s system is not known for churning out 30-goal scorers, so whatever offensive potential Connolly has could be limited with the Bruins.

However, Joe Smith doesn’t think Connolly will have a hard transition to make playing Julien’s defensive style.

“I’m sure it will be a different system than what he’s used to in Tampa. There’s obviously structure here, but they play with speed and skill, getting the puck in deep and chasing, so I think it might be an adjustment here at first. He’s a guy that’s been able to adapt his game a little bit now here, and trust me this guy can still score. Give him the puck in the slot and he can really fire his shot.”

Smith adds that Connolly is a good locker room guy and is a respected player in the room. For what it’s worth, Connolly appears excited for the change of scenery:

Can't express how excited I am for the opportunity to join the @NHLBruins. Looking forward to getting to Boston.

“Connolly still has room to grow, which I think he can down the line, and it might be a good fresh start for him to get out of Tampa Bay,” Smith told Zolak & Bertrand.

Connolly, 22, has 12 goals and three assists in 49 games this season, averaging 11:57 time on ice per game. In 133 career games, he has 18 goals and 14 assists. The 6-foot-2, 181-pound native of British Columbia is a right shot right wing, an area of need which the Bruins were expected to target at the deadline.

Listen below for the full scouting report:

Hear every game of the 2014-15 Boston Bruins season on 98.5 The Sports Hub — the flagship station of the Boston Bruins. Pregame coverage with Dave Goucher and Bob Beers begins 30 minutes prior to every game!

Comcast SportsNet New England’s Joe Haggerty weighed in on the Bruins trade with Toucher & Rich on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Haggerty noted that while Connolly has good size and offensive ability, the addition of the 22-year-old is still a risk.

“They might be getting a player with a lot of unfulfilled potential. He’s had a few years to show it in Tampa, and it hasn’t quite happened yet, so I think they are rolling the dice a little bit here,” said Haggerty.

Connolly has 12 goals and three assists in 49 games this season, and last season for the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch, Connolly led the team with 21 goals and 57 points in 66 games played.

The Bruins ended up passing on available veterans such as Antoine Vermette and Keith Yandle, who were both traded by the Arizona Coyotes. Vermette was dealt to Chicago for a first round pick and defenseman Klas Dahlbeck, but is an unrestricted free agent after this season. Yandle was traded to the New York Rangers in a four-player deal but only has one year remaining on his contract.

Haggerty applauded Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli for not wasting draft picks or paying a high salary to players who aren’t committed long term.

“In a market this year where everyone is overpaying incredibly for rental players — players you’re only going to have a couple of months at the maximum — I think it’s a good move from the GM to go in there and get a player you can keep for a while rather than a rental,” said Haggerty.

Connolly appears to be a timely acquisition for the Bruins, as center David Krejci is out 4-6 weeks with a torn MCL in his left knee, and defenseman Kevan Miller is having season-ending surgery on his dislocated right shoulder.

“I’d assume he’s going to get a look at the top line when Krejci comes back, and he’s going to get a look at a couple different positions. I know they’re looking for a permanent solution with [center] David Krejci and [left wing] Milan Lucic, so he’d be the obvious guy they would try there,” said Haggerty.

The Bruins return to the ice Thursday to host the Calgary Flames at 7pm. They currently hold a two-point lead over the Florida Panthers for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Listen below:

Hear every game of the 2014-15 Boston Bruins season on 98.5 The Sports Hub — the flagship station of the Boston Bruins. Pregame coverage with Dave Goucher and Bob Beers begins 30 minutes prior to every game!

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/03/02/haggs-connolly-trade-comes-with-some-risk-for-bruins/feed/0Scal On Toucher & Rich: Up To Sullinger To Step Up To Ainge’s Challengehttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/03/02/scalabrine-on-toucher-rich-up-to-sullinger-to-step-up-to-ainges-challenge-celtics/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/03/02/scalabrine-on-toucher-rich-up-to-sullinger-to-step-up-to-ainges-challenge-celtics/#commentsMon, 02 Mar 2015 14:16:35 +0000Matthew Geaganhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=614958Brian Scalabrine is familiar with how Danny Ainge works, and says Jared Sullinger just received his first and only warning when it comes to his conditioning.]]>BOSTON (CBS) — Danny Ainge did not hold back last week, with the Celtics president telling Toucher & Rich that Jared Sullinger’s conditioning was not where the team wants it to be.

Sullinger is done for the year with a foot injury, the second time in his three NBA seasons his year has been cut short by injury. Ainge did not sound very pleased with his power forward, saying everyone on the team met their conditioning goals — except for Sullinger.

The comments created quite a stir, and Sullinger’s future with the team has been drawn into question. Former Celtic and TV analyst Brian Scalabrine joined Toucher & Rich on Monday morning, and said Sully better get his act together, because this is the only warning he’ll get from Ainge.

“I really believe the landscape of the NBA continues to change. I believe general managers and presidents are more powerful, and Danny knows this,” said Scalabrine. “He’s saying to Sullinger, ‘Get yourself in shape, get on board with what the rest of the team is doing, or we’re going to ship you out of here.’ And when Ainge says something like that, you better believe it.”

Scalabrine likes what Sullinger brings to the Celtics when he’s on the floor, but said it’s really up to Sullinger whether or not he is a part of the team for the long run.

“Sullinger is an excellent basketball player. Whether his weight or conditioning had anything to do with him breaking his foot, or the stress fracture in his foot, we don’t know. But it doesn’t help. He wants to get paid and be an All Star, but the only way to do that is to play a full season without getting hurt,” said Scal. “Danny is challenging him to step up, and if Sullinger does he’ll be a part of this team. If he doesn’t, he’ll ship him out.”

Scal also shares his thoughts on the acquisition of Isaiah Thomas, Boston’s current roster and the pieces they’d need to become a contender:

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/03/02/scalabrine-on-toucher-rich-up-to-sullinger-to-step-up-to-ainges-challenge-celtics/feed/3Celtics @ 7: New-Look Celtics Vault Into Playoff Hunthttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/28/celtics-7-new-look-celtics-vault-into-playoff-hunt/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/28/celtics-7-new-look-celtics-vault-into-playoff-hunt/#commentsSat, 28 Feb 2015 20:29:06 +0000mwschooleyhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=614745In this week's Celtics @ 7, host Adam Kaufman looks at a suddenly streaking team that electrified TD Garden on Friday night.]]>BOSTON (CBS) – The exciting, new-look Celtics have been exhilarating to watch lately, as their three-game winning streak has vaulted them into a four-way tie for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Saturday’s “Celtics @ 7″ on 98.5 The Sports Hub examined the team’s recent success, led by the play off the bench by still relatively new C’s Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, and Jonas Jerebko.

Host Adam Kaufman offered his thoughts on small-ball and Thomas’s impact since joining the line-up last weekend. Boston Globe Celtics beat writer Adam Himmelsbach joined the show in the second segment to do the same, and also analyze whether fans are watching the makings of a postseason team.

Kaufman and Himmelsbach additionally looked back on a rough week for injured forward Jared Sullinger, who was called out by team president of basketball operations Danny Ainge for his poor conditioning. It was an uncharacteristic move by Ainge, clearly made out of frustration with one of his top young talents.

The show wrapped with a look at an interesting week ahead, including tilts with top championship contenders from Golden State and Cleveland.

Listen to this week’s full episode of Celtics @ 7 below

Celtics @ 7 Part 1

Celtics @ 7 Part 2

Celtics @ 7 Part 3

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/28/celtics-7-new-look-celtics-vault-into-playoff-hunt/feed/8Stevens On Zolak & Bertrand: ‘Knowing Everybody’s First And Last Name Is Helpful’http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/27/stevens-on-gresh-zo-knowing-everybodys-first-and-last-name-is-helpful/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/27/stevens-on-gresh-zo-knowing-everybodys-first-and-last-name-is-helpful/#commentsFri, 27 Feb 2015 20:10:48 +0000Matthew Geaganhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=614551Brad Stevens has made the most of his second season as head coach of the Boston Celtics, which has involved getting to know a lot of new players.]]>BOSTON (CBS) — Brad Stevens has made the most of his second season as head coach of the Boston Celtics, which has involved getting to know a lot of new players.

Celtics president Danny Ainge has been busy throughout the season, pulling off a dozen trades since October, meaning Stevens has had to learn a bunch of new names and skill sets throughout the campaign. Because of that, he’s had to get creative with his lineup each and every night.

In Wednesday’s win over the New York Knicks, Stevens employed a small lineup that paid off big on the floor. With the trade deadline in the past, things should be a little easier for the head coach the rest of the way as far as setting rotations.

“Well, knowing everybody’s first and last name is helpful,” Stevens joked on Friday’s call into 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak and Bertrand. “We haven’t had the same team long enough to really know what to expect, other than at the start of the season. The biggest thing is, when I draw up a play on the board I use initials. I was pretty close to screwing up multiple times. I’m thinking, ‘I just met you 24 hours ago — I know your first name, I know your last name, but I’m trying to put all five guys initials on there in a hurry.’ That was enough of a struggle.”

He joked that he was “throwing darts” Wednesday night, but said because of injuries, he was forced to go with that smaller, offensive lineup.

“I’m probably being a little bit facetious when I said throwing darts. The biggest thing is we had to play unique because we don’t have a traditional lineup, from a size standpoint, right now with Kelly Olynyk and Jared Sullinger out. What gives you a chance when you’re unique is to be able to take advantage on the offensive end, and that’s what happened the other night. We had five skilled guys who could all shoot in the game,” he said. “Sometimes it works in your favor and sometimes it does not. You really have to fly by the seat of your pants to make a decision whether you stick with it or not.”

One of the newest additions to the team is guard Isaiah Thomas, who was acquired from Phoenix at the trade deadline. Thomas has brought instant offense to the team, fitting right in with Boston’s small lineup, and is surprisingly gifted at getting to the basket and free throw line.

“He gives us a chance to get inside the paint without much action, and comfortably,” Stevens said of Thomas. “You’re always going to have to run action, but you can simplify things with him because he just needs a little sliver of space to get there. He doesn’t have blinding end-to-end speed, but he has great shiftiness and he can really change direction on a dime, and bounce up on a dime.”

Ainge made some interesting comments about Sullinger on Thursday, basically calling him out for his lack of conditioning. Sullinger has vowed to make that a focus while he rehabs from a foot injury the rest of the season and over the summer, and Stevens is hopeful that Sullinger will return better than every.

“Obviously Jared and Danny have talked about [his conditioning], and he works hard without strength coaches and training staff. I spend all my time on basketball production and how guys can become the best they can be. Like any other young payer, there is room for him to grow and become better,” he said. “I’ve read and heard what Danny said, but read and heard what Jared said. The biggest thing is he knows where his focus is going to be and he’s working hard at it.”

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/27/stevens-on-gresh-zo-knowing-everybodys-first-and-last-name-is-helpful/feed/5Jones: Does Revis Need To Be Highest Paid Cornerback?http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/27/jones-does-revis-need-to-be-highest-paid-cornerback/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/27/jones-does-revis-need-to-be-highest-paid-cornerback/#commentsFri, 27 Feb 2015 16:35:25 +0000tfelix2014http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=614361It was a Role Play Thursday night on The Adam Jones Show’s Game of Jones!]]>BOSTON (CBS) – Thursday night means it’s time for some Role Play on The Adam Jones Show’s Game of Jones!

Here are the questions:

You are Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli. Who’s fault is it that you’re currently barely a playoff team in the Eastern Conference?

Jones as Chiarelli: “I think we have a team that is talented enough to make the postseason. We were up against the cap, had to get something for Johnny Boychuk without losing him, and it wasn’t an ideal hockey trade that we acknowledged at the time. Since then, the team should be better off in the standings than they’ve shown. We have to deal with a few things against the cap, certainly this year after the Iginla trade a year ago. We have to weather the storm. I, Peter Chiarelli, do not have myself at the top of my own list. I would put it on the players. They need to pick up their level of play. Guys like Bergeron, Lucic, and Chara are not playing to their capabilities. If they were, I do not think we would be in this spot.”

You are now Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino.Do you see yourself as the team’s everyday leadoff hitter?

Jones as Victorino: “I do. I’m the everyday right fielder. I’ve been in the league for 10 years. I’ve been an All Star. I’ve been on multiple World Series-winning teams. I can set the table for a lineup. If you want me to leadoff, I can do it.”

You are now Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis. Is it possible for you to not be the highest paid cornerback in the league next year?

Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis. (Photo by Jim Rogas/Getty Images)

Jones as Revis: “I’m going to be the highest paid guy. I don’t need to blow it out of the water. I don’t need $60 million guaranteed or anything like that. What I need is more than $48 million, lets call it $50 million. If the Patriots offer that number I’m back. If they don’t, and someone else wants to blow that number out of the water, great. There is no way no how that I’m not the cornerback in the NFL with the most guaranteed money.”

You are Celtics President Danny Ainge. Do you regret drafting Jared Sullinger, especially after knowing there was a lot of health red flags at the time?

Danny Ainge. (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jones as Ainge: “No I do not regret drafting him.”

You are now the Cleveland Browns. Are you excited about the new logo and font?

Browns QB Johnny Manziel. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Jones as Browns: “Of course! How could you not be excited? You see that new orange pop?”

Listen to full segment, and leave us your answers in the comments section below!

A video of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant that is “five times worse than Ray Rice” is supposedly real and being shopped around.

“There hasn’t been this much buzz and mystery around a video in this area since Abraham Zapruder turned his camera toward a certain president from that grassy knoll back in ’63,” NBC Dallas’ Richie Whitt told 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich on Friday.

Everyone is talking about this video, from gossip sites to reputable NFL insiders, so why hasn’t it surfaced yet?

Does it even exist? Whitt isn’t so sure.

“This is nuts. Is there a video? Who’s on it? Who filmed it? You know what? As of right now, with the facts and the evidence that we have, there’s not a video. I haven’t seen it. I haven’t talked to anybody who has seen it. The Lancaster police, who investigated the incident, they didn’t even think it was worth looking at,” Whitt said with skepticism. “So as of right now we’re all chasing video ghosts.”

Whitt called into question the journalistic integrity of this story, and doesn’t understand why it’s still making news. ESPN’s Adam Schefter has been working on this story since September. It’s almost March. And even Schefter hasn’t gotten the scoop.

“Adam Schefter is an award-winning journalist. He’s very respected. But isn’t this a little embarrassing? I think the local media [in Dallas] has really sunk its teeth into this story for 10 days to two weeks, and it’s run its course. We now know where it happened, we know the incident, we know the police came out and we know there’s a dead end without the video. Schefter’s been working on this since September?” Whitt asked incredulously.

“Unless he’s got the video, and an exclusive sit down interview with everybody involved, his reporting is going to take a little dent in his reputation.”

Bryant is an unrestricted free agent, and this video — whether real or imagined — has given the Dallas Cowboys some pause in issuing him a long-term contract, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.

But Whitt believes that’s a tad overblown. Bryant was offered a sizable contract by the Cowboys in the fall, one he turned down that would’ve made him a Cowboy for life. In theory, Dallas would’ve known about this video when offering Bryant this lifetime deal, so add it all up and none of it makes any sense.

Whitt predicts Dallas will use the franchise tag on Dez Bryant on Monday, a deal that will pay him $13 million for one year guaranteed. The rest of us will be waiting for the smoking gun.

The third-year forward is out for the season after suffering a stress reaction in his foot, the second time in his brief career his season has been cut short by injuries. He missed the end of his rookie season to undergo back surgery, an ailment he played through during his college days and the Celtics were well aware of when they drafted him 21st overall in 2011.

But the injuries have become a bit of a trend, and one has to wonder if those extra pounds have something to do with it. And given Sullinger’s other issues — his domestic violence incident (charges were dropped) ahead of last season; being late to practice twice in the same week this season — and now those comments from Ainge, it appears the Celtics may be nearing a tipping point with Sullinger. A restricted free agent after next season, the Celtics will have to decide on his future with the team very soon.

Could those issues hurt his trade value if the C’s opt to go in that direction? Adam Jones discussed this on Thursday night’s Celtics @ 7 on 98.5 The Sports Hub, and hopes Sullinger hears Ainge’s message loud and clear.

“There are enough questions around Sullinger, from weight to the domestic violence charges being dropped to him not showing up on time. I’d look at it, as a team around the NBA, and say, ‘I’m not going to pay top dollar or what Sullinger is worth. If the Celtics want to deal him, I’d try to buy low on Sullinger.’ As an asset, I think his value is down.

“I’m not saying the Celtics didn’t make the right pick in that draft, because that’s a good player they drafted in the 20’s,” he said. “But now you have an asset whose value has repressed, and on top of that you have a contract issue coming up next year. You have to decide if you’re going to extend him or let him hit restricted free agency.

“I don’t think he’s that big of an issue or problem where the Celtics have to give him away, but I’m disappointed by the latest development,” said Jones. “If [Ainge’s comments] aren’t a message for Sullinger to, literally, get his ass in shape for next season, he will be somewhere else. He will be traded away and he’s not a foundational piece.”

Yes, all good things must come to an end, and the man who has dutifully called in to every Sports Hub program all week long wrapped up his week in Fort Myers with a call to Toucher & Rich.

Though Rochie’s discussion covered a range of topics, he delighted all by closing with a poem he wrote himself. It was magical.

Goodbye, green grass
The time has passed … way too fast
I tried to make it last

No more spikes or gloves or baseball bats,
Or jerseys, pants or baseball hats

I’ll miss the Fort, it was so much fun I’ll miss the warmth, the burning of the sun

No Pedey, or Papi, or Hanley, too No Clay, Pablo It makes me go ‘Boo-hoo!’

Goodbye, Red Sox, we’ll see you soon,But with the snow at Fenway, it may not be until June

Bravo, Daniel Rochespeare. Bravo.

Fans Cheer At Fenway Park (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Listen to Rochie’s poem for yourself:

Listen to Roche’s entire conversation with Toucher & Rich below:

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/27/dan-roche-authors-stirring-poem-before-leaving-red-sox-spring-training/feed/0Jones: Intriguing (And Cheap) Free Agent Options For The Patriotshttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/27/jones-intriguing-and-cheap-free-agent-options-for-the-patriots/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/27/jones-intriguing-and-cheap-free-agent-options-for-the-patriots/#commentsFri, 27 Feb 2015 13:31:16 +0000ACEhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=614342The Patriots are not expected to be major players in free agency, but Adam Jones has a few names he’s intrigued by that could come cheaply.]]>BOSTON (CBS) – As rare as a Daniel Paille goal, it was a full five-hour program Thursday night on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s The Adam Jones Show.

Jones opened the night talking Patriots, and some possible names the Patriots could look at in free agency. The team is not expected to be major players in the market, because there’s a handful of free agent players on the current roster they would like to retain, like Darrelle Revis, Devin McCourty, Nate Solder and Stephen Gostkowski to name a few.

However, Jones offered a few names he’s intrigued by that could come cheaply.

“When you look at potential additions, last week I came up with Brian Orakpo. He’s injury prone, so maybe he’ll want to do a one-year, incentive-laden, ‘prove it’ type of a deal,” Jones told Rich Keefe.

Brian Orapko #98 of the Washington Redskins is introduced before a game at FedEx Field. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

Orakpo plays outside linebacker for the Washington Redskins. He’s played in just 24 games the last three seasons, but when healthy he’s got double digit sack potential.

Jones offered up two more names Thursday night, one who is likely to be cut by his team and one who has already been let go by his team.

“I think they would be awesome fits here in New England. I think they would be upgrades from what they had last year. I just think they’re intriguing names because I think they would come cheaply and I think they would be incredible in this offense: Percy Harvin and Reggie Bush.”

According to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, he “would be shocked” if Percy Harvin agreed to take a pay cut to remain with the Jets. Harvin is due a non-guaranteed $10.5 million, and he’s expected to decline the Jets’ pay cut request. If Harvin is cut, many people around the league expect New England to have interest.

If history is any indication, New England will not bend over backwards and break the bank for free agent running back Shane Vereen, making recently-cut Reggie Bush another intriguing option for the Patriots as someone who can provide that pass-catching element out of the backfield.

“Shane Vereen is probably going to price himself out of New England, so how about Reggie Bush? His best years in the league came in Miami with [Patriots assistant coaches] Brian Daboll and Dave DeGuglielmo. There’s ties to Reggie Bush, and he’s better in my opinion than Shane Vereen — even at age 29. He’s going to come cheaper too.”

Percy Harvin also went to Florida, and we know Bill Belichick loves himself some Urban Meyer guys. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Jones acknowledges the Patriots offense doesn’t need a major overhaul, but maybe wide receiver Danny Amendola is a little too expensive for their taste. In that case, Bush and Harvin are both attractive options.

“Reggie Bush and Percy Harvin are matchup nightmares. You want to line up Reggie Bush out wide in the formation as a wide receiver? You can do it. You want to line up Percy Harvin in the backfield? You can do it. They would be matchup nightmares,” said Jones.

Rich Keefe notes how injury prone both Bush and Harvin are, which only decreases their price — and we know the Patriots love bargains.

Are you on board with Jones and Keefe’s free agent options?

Listen below for the full discussion:

Free agency is not the only way to improve your team in the offseason, so later in the evening Adam Jones welcomed in CBS Sports’ NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler to assess the Patriots’ needs.

Listen below!

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/27/jones-intriguing-and-cheap-free-agent-options-for-the-patriots/feed/2Felger & Mazz: 10 Questions With Big Jim Murrayhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/26/felger-mazz-10-questions-with-big-jim-murray/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/26/felger-mazz-10-questions-with-big-jim-murray/#commentsThu, 26 Feb 2015 21:08:45 +0000ACEhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=614227Felger & Mazz wanted to get to know their new headlines guy a little better, so what better way than with a little 10 Questions?]]>BOSTON (CBS) - In case you haven’t heard, 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Felger & Massarotti show has a new headlines guy.

Marc Bertrand is on to bigger things now that he has his own midday show, so earlier this week Felger & Mazz welcomed back a familiar face to patrol the studio and keep them in line: Big Jim Murray.

Murray comes back to 98.5 after career stops in Atlanta and Connecticut, but now he’s back home in the city he grew up. Mike and Tony have dealt with Murray in the past on a fill-in basis, but that’s really the extent of their relationship.

So on Thursday afternoon, the guys took some time to get to know their new headlines guy by playing a little game of 10 Questions.

Here are the questions:

10. Who is your favorite Boston athlete, coach, general manager or team owner?

6. On Toucher & Rich today, Danny Ainge said that Jared Sullinger is not in good shape. Sullinger himself admits he’s not in proper condition. So what should the Celtics do? Dump his out-of-shape ass? Or be patient and wait for him to come around?

5. Time for the Jim Murray word on the street: “My glam bae keep that body on fleek.” Please translate.

4. After Darrelle Revis, who is the one player the Patriots must retain?

3. Who do you feel is the most overrated player, coach, general manager or owner in Boston?

2. Thoughts on communal eating? (i.e. like a Japanese steakhouse)

1. What has been the most important Boston championship to you personally?

Listen below to get to know Big Jim Murray, and don’t forget to follow him on Twitter @bigjimmurray!

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/26/felger-mazz-10-questions-with-big-jim-murray/feed/2Claude Julien Completely Unconcerned With Danger Of Losing His Jobhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/26/claude-julien-completely-unconcerned-with-danger-of-losing-his-job/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/26/claude-julien-completely-unconcerned-with-danger-of-losing-his-job/#commentsThu, 26 Feb 2015 18:56:20 +0000mfhurleyhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=614180"What matters to me is I have to come in and do a job here. Whatever they decide, they can decide. It really doesn't matter to me."]]>When things start going bad for any sports team in Boston, the natural progression of reactions quickly leads to some folks calling for the head coach to be fired.

While the flames may not be lit and the pitchforks may still be in the barn when it comes to Bruins boss Claude Julien, there have nevertheless been some rumblings regarding a potential shake-up if the Bruins don’t miss the playoffs.

Now in his eighth season in Boston, Julien has dealt with such talk before, so he’s not exactly spending much time thinking about it right now.

“I’ve got to come in here and do my job,” Julien said. “It doesn’t matter what other people think, and I’m talking about whether upper management thinks there needs to be a change or whatever. Those things don’t matter to me. What matters to me is I have to come in and do a job here. Whatever they decide, they can decide. It really doesn’t matter to me. If they think I can do the job, that’s great. If they don’t think that the job was done to the expectations that it should have been done, that’s their prerogative.

“But those things don’t even faze me the least bit. Trust me when I say that,” Julien continued. “I’m here, I’m happy, I’m doing my job, I’m working with players and people around me I enjoy working with, and when that doesn’t suffice anymore, then we move on. That’s the life of a coach.”

Billy Jaffe was in studio with Zolak and Bertrand, and they discussed Claude’s comments.

In a November 2014 edition of the New York Times, Silver penned an op ed in support of lifting the legislative bans on sports gambling, and expressed his desire to forge an open conversation with the commissioners of other pro leagues on this matter. Legalized sports betting nationwide, Silver argues, would crush the black market and aid states in their efforts to generate more revenue.

“I believe that sports betting should be brought out of the underground and into the sunlight where it can be appropriately monitored and regulated,” Silver wrote.

With Adam Silver in town, 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich decided to ask Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge for his take.

“I don’t [support it], but I would like to hear what Adam has to say about it, and really understand where he’s coming from and his perspective. Just off the top of my head, I do not [support it],” Ainge said.

Ainge, a practicing Mormon, explains he’s seen too many lives ruined to be in favor of such a measure.

“I’ve seen gambling ruin lives and ruin families. I’m just not for it. I wish they wouldn’t do it,” Ainge added.

Rich compared gambling to alcohol, and how moderation is the key. Just because some people can’t handle it, Rich argues, doesn’t mean you should punish those who can.

Ainge’s response:

“I understand. I just think the same thing with alcohol; there’s a lot of deaths that happen as a result to innocent people. I’m not so sure that those things are beneficial to our society and necessary for the game, but again, I’m open minded. I’d like to listen to what Adam has to say about the issue. But you asked me my opinion, and I prefer we not have things that are destructive to society.”

Designated hitter David Ortiz made headlines Wednesday when he flipped out about Major League Baseball’s new point of emphasis on pace of play, and how batters are required to keep one foot in the box.

Ortiz doesn’t think it’s fair, and Roche believes he made some good points.

“Ortiz has been doing it the same way for how many years, and now all of a sudden you want him to change because baseball needs to be faster? Well his argument is make the pitcher [stay on] the rubber, and not walk around and look around and rub the baseball and everything else,” said Roche.

“That was kind of his message, like, ‘If I’m going to do it then they’re going to do it.’ Just don’t pick on the hitters, pick on the pitchers too. There’s a happy medium, and it has to be found.”

The team’s first exhibition game is next Tuesday, and Boston’s first exhibition game against major league competition is a week from today.

We all know how manager John Farrell feels about his starting pitchers — he’s got five no. 1 starters apparently — but Jon Wallach was curious to know when the team will make a decision on the Opening Day starter, and who 1-5 will be.

“I think the first guy out of the chute will be Clay Buchholz. Then it will be [Rick] Porcello, and then it will be Wade Miley, then Joe Kelly and Justin Masterson because he’s coming off an oblique injury from last year. That’s my guess. But it depends on maybe the type of springs they have, and maybe how Clay responds to conversations with [pitching coach] Juan Nieves and John Farrell.

“Maybe it goes Porcello and then Buchholz, because I think that they think Porcello could be that emerging no. 1 starter after the year he had last year. He won 15 games and had an ERA of around 3.5. They think he can be that guy. That’s how I look at it coming out of the chute.”

There’s no question Clay Buchholz has Cy Young-type “stuff” on the mound, and Roche notes the team’s belief that injuries are the only thing that have held him back. They’re hoping for a different result in 2015.

Listen below!

Take Our Poll]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/26/roche-red-sox-believe-rick-porcello-can-emerge-as-no-1-starter/feed/0Jones: Bruins Should Expose NHL Salary Cap/CBA Loopholehttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/26/jones-bruins-should-expose-nhl-salary-capcba-loophole/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/26/jones-bruins-should-expose-nhl-salary-capcba-loophole/#commentsThu, 26 Feb 2015 14:09:08 +0000ACEhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=614050Adam Jones makes a case for the Bruins to put David Krejci on long-term injured reserve and use his money to acquire a player.]]>BOSTON (CBS) – Like the snow in Boston, there’s been a flurry of trades in the NHL in the past month, many of them coming this week with the trade deadline fast approaching.

Andrej Sekera is on his way to the Kings, Daniel Winnik was dealt out of Toronto to Pittsburgh and Jiri Tlusty gets sent to Winnipeg, who recently jettisoned Evander Kane in a trade to Buffalo.

Meanwhile the Bruins are still on the sideline, and it sounds like they’re not going to use a potential advantage between now and the March 2 4pm deadline — at least that’s how team president Cam Neely made it seem Tuesday afternoon on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Boston defenseman Kevan Miller will miss the remainder of the season, and now the Black and Gold will be without David Krejci as well for the foreseeable future. Boston’s top-line center is slated to miss 4-6 weeks with a partially torn MCL, an injury suffered Friday night in St. Louis, adding more uncertainty and holes to the Bruins lineup.

But there is a way out . . . sort of.

The NHL collective bargaining agreement stipulates Boston could technically place Krejci on long term injured reserve, which frees up his money on the salary cap, and use that money to acquire another player for the playoff run, where there is no salary cap.

But as Cam Neely told Felger & Mazz, Boston is unlikely to go that route because the NHL would frown upon this practice if they suspected the Bruins of any funny business in regards to skirting the rules.

On Wednesday night, 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Adam Jones makes the case for the Bruins to put Krejci on long term injured reserve, because they have a legitimate argument here.

“You have money to play around with now. You have an opportunity to go over the salary cap. So do it. I think the Bruins should do it and force the league’s hand. What is it? A slap on the wrists? A cross-eyed look from the other 29 teams? What are they actually going to do?” asked Jones. “What? You can’t sit at the cool kids table anymore at the general managers meetings? Is Peter Chiarelli worried about a slap on the wrist or is he worried about losing his job?”

The situations aren’t exactly the same, but Blackhawks right wing and NHL point leader Patrick Kane had surgery to repair a left clavicle fracture on Wednesday, and he’s expected to miss 12 weeks. Chicago wasted no time in placing Kane on long term IR.

It’s a longer term injury for Kane that it is Krejci, so Chicago definitely had an easier decision to make. But Jones thinks it’d be a bad look for Chicago to use this loophole and not the Bruins.

“I’d hate to see Chicago use that long term injury money, go over the salary cap and add a piece the Bruins want, whether it’s Antoine Vermette or a stud like Phil Kessel. I don’t want to see Chicago go over the salary cap, get Patrick Kane back for the playoffs and then have the Bruins sit there and say, ‘Well we can’t do it. We’re not allowed to do it. The NHL would frown at us.’ That’s the last thing I want to see happen, is the Blackhawks take advantage of this loophole and the Bruins sit on the sidelines. That would be a bad look for the whole organization.”

“Like a bunch of papers in a meeting room with a big blowing fan,” Butler said to describe his chaotic life since the Russell Wilson interception. “I’ve been enjoying it too, but you know, just got to know how to manage it well. But I’ve been enjoying myself.”

“Every morning I get up, [that play] crosses my mind. Every day it crosses my mind. It’s sinking in, but sometimes it just don’t and it starts over again. I’ve just been enjoying the ride man,” Butler told Felger & Mazz.

“We’re on to 2015″ is likely the mantra down in Foxboro as the team attempts to start next season on a clean slate, and not let the accomplishments of last season allow them to be complacent.

While his interception will be talked about fondly in this region for decades to come, a once-in-a-generation type of play doesn’t guarantee you a future roster spot. Butler, an undrafted rookie free agent in 2014, knows he won’t be able to rest on his laurels to be a member of the Patriots going forward.

“I’m not pretty sure [what my future is]. I know the standards and expectations are pretty high. So I’ll come in, try my best and did like I did last year to finally have a big role. That’s my goal. But whatever my role is given, you know, that’s what I’m going to have to do,” said Butler. “I don’t know too much about the contract, but I think I am [signed for 2015].”

“You should be asking for a raise don’t you think? After that play?” Felger fired back.

“I can only control the things I can control,” Butler responded, in perfect Belichick-ian fashion.

The entire world, and even the Patriots players were expecting run in that situation. But Butler recognized the stacked Seattle receivers and knew exactly what was coming — just how it was drawn up in practice, where he had gotten beat earlier in the week.

“I knew they was running the pick route. The bottom receiver was coming under. I seen the receiver fake outside, and those are my keys. So once he faked outside I knew I was gonna go inside. So that’s how it all turned out,” said Butler. “I knew if I didn’t break that pass up Marshawn [Lynch] was coming in the next play.”

Listen for the full interview! (Butler interview starts at 2:55)

Autograph signing information below:

For clarity: Malcolm Butler signing is scheduled for TOMORROW night, Feb. 26, at New England Picture at the Shore Shore Plaza in Braintree.

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/25/malcolm-butler-talks-super-bowl-heroics-on-felger-mazz/feed/2Red Sox Hold First Full Squad Workout; Moncada Arriveshttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/25/red-sox-holding-first-full-squad-workout-moncada-arrives/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/25/red-sox-holding-first-full-squad-workout-moncada-arrives/#commentsWed, 25 Feb 2015 20:45:56 +0000Matthew Geaganhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=613435The Boston Red Sox have all arrived at the team's spring training complex in Fort Myers, Florida, and are gearing up for their first full squad workout of the spring.]]>http://media.boston.cbslocal.com/CBSBOS_20150225172239807AA.mp4

BOSTON (CBS) — The Boston Red Sox held their first full squad workout of the spring on Wednesday in Fort Myers, Florida.

The team met with owners John Henry, Larry Lucchino and Tom Werner early Wednesday morning before taking the field for the first time as a collective group.

They hit the batting cages and did numerous fielding drills for the first time as a team, though many of the position players have been down in Fort Myers for weeks preparing for the 2015 season. Pitchers and catchers held their first workout of the spring over the weekend.

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/25/red-sox-holding-first-full-squad-workout-moncada-arrives/feed/1Zolak & Bertrand: Did Coach DeGuglielmo Drive Up The Price For Nate Solder?http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/25/zolak-bertrand-did-coach-deguglielmo-drive-up-the-price-for-nate-solder/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/25/zolak-bertrand-did-coach-deguglielmo-drive-up-the-price-for-nate-solder/#commentsWed, 25 Feb 2015 18:30:44 +0000ACEhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=613531Bill Belichick doesn't allow his assistants to speak that much, and this is a reason why.]]>BOSTON (CBS) - Here in Boston, lost in the fray of Red Sox spring training, the NBA trade deadline and all the injuries and needs of the Boston Bruins lies the New England Patriots who, you know, just won a Super Bowl and all.

With the NFL Combine behind us, all attention shifts towards free agency and the draft. The Patriots have some key free agent decisions this offseason, including secondary-mates Darrelle Revis and Devin McCourty, but also left tackle Nate Solder.

Nate Solder’s 2015 salary ($7.483 million) becomes fully guaranteed on March 10, so that decision facing the Patriots is one they’ll need to make soon.

How should the Patriots handle it? Is Nate Solder a top five, or even a top 10 left tackle in the NFL? His offensive line coach thinks he’s one of the elites!

In this handout image provided by the NFL, Dave DeGuglielmo poses for his NFL headshot circa 2011. (Photo by NFL via Getty Images)

In a recent article by The MMQB’s Greg Bedard, also a frequent contributor on Felger & Mazz, Patriots offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo sang the praises of Solder when he spoke with Bedard in the week leading up to the Super Bowl.

“I believe he’s one of the best left tackles in the NFL. And I see enough tape in film study to know what I’m talking about in that regard. I wouldn’t trade him for another left tackle in the league, I really wouldn’t. I mean the only guy, and I’ve told him this, that is in his league in my opinion with the combination of skills and movement and power is Tyron Smith in Dallas. I don’t want to hear about [Denver’s Ryan] Clady, [Cleveland’s] Joe Thomas, I don’t want to hear about any of them. [Eagles’ Jason] Peters is sloppy. I’d take Nate Solder over all those guys, and I’ve told him that.”

Nothing wrong with a coach backing one of his guys, but here’s the problem:

– Joe Thomas makes $11.5 million per year

– Ryan Clady makes $10.5 million per year

– Jason Peters makes $9.75 million per year

“[Solder’s] agent David Dunn definitely has Patriots offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo on his Christmas card list,” Marc Bertrand said in jest.

So if the Patriots hope to sign Nate Solder to a long-term extension, they’ll have to pay him accordingly. The question is: what is he worth, and is Nate Solder an elite NFL left tackle?

“Do you want to pay him $7.4 million? Because I don’t. I don’t want that number. That number is too high for me. Too high for my taste,” said Bertrand. “I think you can get the same production from a guy who makes less money. There’s a budget, and I want that money going to guys like Darrelle Revis and Devin McCourty.”

Listen below for Zolak & Bertrand’s full discussion:

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/25/zolak-bertrand-did-coach-deguglielmo-drive-up-the-price-for-nate-solder/feed/0Haggerty On Toucher & Rich: Potential Trade Deadline Moves For Bruinshttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/25/haggerty-on-toucher-rich-potential-trade-deadline-moves-for-bruins/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/25/haggerty-on-toucher-rich-potential-trade-deadline-moves-for-bruins/#commentsWed, 25 Feb 2015 16:26:17 +0000joshgutchesshttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=613434In order to make a push into the postseason and beyond, a move at the NHL trade deadline appears necessary to keep this team afloat.]]>BOSTON (CBS) - Which players are on the Bruins radar heading into Monday’s trade deadline? Joe Haggerty of Comcast SportsNet New England gave Toucher & Rich some names with just a few days left on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

The Bruins, who are 2-6-2 in their last ten games, cling to a two-point lead over the Florida Panthers for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Boston has recently faced a motley of injuries — defenseman Kevan Miller is out for the year after shoulder surgery, forward Gregory Campbell is out at least a week with an upper body injury, and center David Krejci is out 4-6 weeks with a torn meniscus in his knee.

In order to make a push into the postseason and beyond, a move at the deadline appears necessary to keep this team afloat.

“The guy that makes the most sense to me is Antoine Vermette. He’s a guy that can fill the gap while Krejci is out and plays a contentious two-way game that the Bruins like,” said Haggerty.

A center for the Phoenix Coyotes, Vermette has scored 13 goals and 22 assists in his 11th NHL season. Although he is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, Haggerty noted Vermette’s ties to the Bruins locker room, citing his friendship with center Patrice Bergeron.

“That’s meaningful to the Bruins, that a guy can come in and immediately mesh with the Bruins and affect the [team] chemistry in a positive way,” said Haggerty.

Haggerty explained that if Vermette, was open to a trade, a multi-player deal with Phoenix could ensue.

“When you talk about Vermette, all of a sudden you talk about Keith Yandle as well in a package deal where they can get a defenseman and a forward, and obviously they’re going to have to move salaries to make it happen,” said Haggerty.

“It’s going to cost them a lot. Maybe you’re talking [defenseman] Torey Krug and you’re certainly talking [left wing] Loui Eriksson as well as a draft pick if not a prospect to make something like that happen.”

After dominating the majority of Tuesday’s game against Vancouver, the Bruins failed to convert scoring opportunities, including four power plays, and subsequently lost 2-1. With 20 games remaining in the regular season, the Bruins face the Florida Panthers three more times in the heated battle for the eighth seed.

“I expect them to move at the deadline and make something happen,” said Haggerty.

The Bruins return to the ice Friday at New Jersey at 7 p.m.

Listen below:

Hear every game of the 2014-15 Boston Bruins season on 98.5 The Sports Hub — the flagship station of the Boston Bruins. Pregame coverage with Dave Goucher and Bob Beers begins 30 minutes prior to every game!

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/25/haggerty-on-toucher-rich-potential-trade-deadline-moves-for-bruins/feed/0Plus/Minus: Inability To Bury Scoring Chances Dooms Bruins vs. Canuckshttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/25/plusminus-inability-to-bury-scoring-chances-dooms-bruins-vs-canucks/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/25/plusminus-inability-to-bury-scoring-chances-dooms-bruins-vs-canucks/#commentsWed, 25 Feb 2015 14:28:55 +0000ACEhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=613428The B's have now dropped seven of their last eight games, and eight of their last 10 overall.]]>BOSTON (CBS) - The Bruins left the weekend with a big win on the road over the Chicago Blackhawks, and any hopes of building off that momentum were dashed Tuesday night at TD Garden by the Vancouver Canucks.

Vancouver goalie Eddie Lack stopped 40 shots and held the Bruins to just one goal as the Canucks left Boston with a 2-1 win. The B’s have now dropped seven of their last eight games, and eight of their last 10 overall.

To help break down the loss, 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Adam Jones welcomed in Dave Goucher and Bob Beers of the Bruins Radio Network for a game recap.

The offense was not the issue, but the lack of finish really hurt Boston’s chances Tuesday night.

“It cost them big time in this game, their inability to bury their chances. Outside of [Daniel] Paille in the first period — that was about it. Chances were there all night long. Loose pucks were there all night long. [Canucks goalie] Eddie Lack let rebounds out most of the night,” said Goucher.

“Scrambles around the net, even late in the game when the Bruins had the extra attacker on, [Bruins head coach] Claude Julien felt like they dominated most of this game tonight. But it turned out to be a loss.”

Scoreboard-watching is something Bruins fans have done all season long, and will continue to do until game no. 82. Florida trailed Chicago 2-0 entering the third period late Tuesday night, but rallied back to force overtime, where they eventually lost in a shootout. The Panthers, mere points behind the Bruins, earned the point in the overtime loss and don’t appear to be going away anytime soon.

Meanwhile Philadelphia, who’s on a bit of a hot streak, lost in regulation to Carolina and remain four points behind Boston.

If Boston does plan on improving their team, they have limited time to do so. The NHL trade deadline is Monday March 2 at 3pm ET, and with David Krejci out indefinitely and Kevan Miller sidelined for the remainder of the season, Boston has even more glaring needs than they did a week ago.

“I’m still hoping that they add something,” Bob Beers told Adam Jones. “I’m still hoping that they add a winger, then David Krejci comes back and they end up uniting that [first] line with Milan Lucic, or at least some semblance of that. It doesn’t have to be that way, but they’ve been actively and openly looking for something like that as an upgrade.

“In an ideal world you’ll need some depth on the defense as well to help out. Do you have the confidence in [backup goalie] Niklas Svedberg moving forward? That’s a question you’ll have to answer as well. There are salary cap implications, but if you’re asking me in a perfect world those are the three positions — in order — I think that they need help right now.”

Later in the show, Adam Jones goes over his positives and negatives from the game in a segment called Plus/Minus.

Listen below!

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/25/plusminus-inability-to-bury-scoring-chances-dooms-bruins-vs-canucks/feed/1Cam Neely On B’s Trade Deadline Plans: ‘We Still Want To Try To Improve Our Club’http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/24/cam-neely-on-bs-trade-deadline-plans-we-still-want-to-try-to-improve-our-club/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/24/cam-neely-on-bs-trade-deadline-plans-we-still-want-to-try-to-improve-our-club/#commentsTue, 24 Feb 2015 21:56:16 +0000mfhurleyhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=613323Cam Neely discussed the Bruins' drop in compete level, the pressures the team is feeling and trade deadline expectations.]]>Cam Neely joined Felger & Massarotti at the 98.5 The Sports Hub studio inside the TD Garden on Tuesday, hours before the puck dropped for the Bruins-Canucks game. The Bruins at least temporarily reverted back to positive play with their 6-2 win in Chicago on Sunday, and Neely said that marks two straight games where the team played well.

Still, obviously that’s not satisfactory after the 1-2-2 road trip, and Neely was asked what happened to the team’s compete level.

“It’s a good question. I think when things aren’t going as well, you start thinking too much and maybe try to do too many things, not being as reactionary, not getting back to the basics,” Neely said. “And I think that’s what this coaching staff has tried to do, just get everybody back to basics.”

Neely said the Bruins played well in St. Louis but didn’t quite get the result they wanted. That was, in large part, due to Malcolm Subban allowing three quick second-period goals. Despite the poor result, Neely said it was the right decision to give the 21-year-old a shot in an NHL game.

“We brought him up to play for a reason,” Neely said. “We thought he was playing well in Providence, so we felt it was an opportunity to see where his game’s at at the NHL level. I can’t speak to the jitters. … I would assume just based on experience, my first NHL game, I had jitters, so I would assume a goalie would probably have that more so.”

Neely was asked about a Boston Globe report that characterized the team as jumpy and on edge. Neely said he disagrees with that description, but he does know that as the team continues to barely hang on to the final playoff spot in the East, everyone feels a certain pressure.

“I was on that trip for a while. I didn’t get the sense that they were jumpy, stressed and unsettled,” Neely said. “These guys are all professionals and they know what they have to do and what the expectations are of them.”

“When Charlie [Jacobs] came out and said that we’re all under review, he wants to see where the season plays out, and understandably so. … We actually got a pretty decent January and then we reverted back these last handful of games more to where we were playing beforehand. The expectations here are high, and we all want them to be high. When you have a team of players that we have that we’ve felt that we can compete with, those expectations are going to be there. We have a fan base that’s very passionate, they understand the game, they know the game and they follow the team very closely, so they have expectations when they come into the Garden or watch us play of how they want to see us play.”

Peter Chiarelli mentioned that it’s not necessarily fair to be judged off just one season. Does Neely agree?

“Well, I mean, sports is driven by what you did today and what are you going to do tomorrow? It’s not so much what you did yesterday. That’s just the nature of sports,” Neely said, admitting that his own performance as president of the team is evaluated the same way. “If players have a down year, you talk about, ‘OK, are they gonna regroup? Are they going to be better next year? Or do you have to make a decision?’ I’m sure ownership and presidents in my position look at the same thing with management, and ownership looks at it with me.

“The same way you evaluate players, you have to evaluate everybody in the organization.”

It’s an environment which Neely enjoys.

“I don’t mind pressure. I really don’t. I had it as a player,” Neely said. “I would hate for us to be in a situation where nobody’s paying attention and no one cares. I would rather it be this way.”

Seemingly every week, the Tyler Seguin trade from 2013 came up, and this week was no different. Felger asked Neely if he accepts responsibility if people are disappointed with the return in the Tyler Seguin deal.

“Yeah, I do. I was involved in the decision-making process, so, I would, if there’s an element of our fan base, an element of our ownership that feels it was a mistake, then I’m partly responsible for that.”

“It’s a decision we made as an organization, feeling like it was the right thing to do to move Tyler, and what we got back is what the return was that we felt was the best return.”

And as for trade deadline expectations, Neely said the Bruins will approach it the same way they always do.

“I believe our team is better than we’re playing, our current team. Obviously with David out, that hurts. But if we have an opportunity to do something, and I know it’s a broken record and I’ve said it every time we’ve talked this year. If there’s an opportunity to improve our club, we’re still going to do it. Regardless of who’s in or out of the lineup, we still want to try to improve our club.”

Neely was also asked how the team could manipulate the cap now that Kevan Miller and David Krejci are injured, and what’s wrong with Dennis Seidenberg.

Listen to Neely’s full conversation below:

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/24/cam-neely-on-bs-trade-deadline-plans-we-still-want-to-try-to-improve-our-club/feed/4Roche: Red Sox Gathering Assets, Will See How It All Plays Outhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/24/roche-red-sox-gathering-assets-will-see-how-it-all-plays-out/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/24/roche-red-sox-gathering-assets-will-see-how-it-all-plays-out/#commentsTue, 24 Feb 2015 15:02:22 +0000Matthew Geaganhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=613085WBZ-TV's Dan Roche joined Toucher & Rich on Tuesday to discuss Boston's signing of Yoan Moncada, and what it means for the future of the team.]]>BOSTON (CBS) — WBZ-TV’s Dan Roche went on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich Monday morning, and didn’t think there was any chance the Red Sox would sign Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada.

A short time after Rochie made that statement, the Red Sox signed Moncada. They outbid everyone else in the running for the 19-year-old, including the New York Yankees.

So when Rochie called in for his Tuesday morning appearance from Fort Myers, Florida, T&R called shenanigans. So Roche threw another “zero chance” prediction out there.

“There is zero chance they acquire Cole Hamels today,” Rochie joked.

As for Moncada, the Red Sox have some very high hopes for the prospect.

“One person in the organization who saw him a lot said he has everything you want in a raw prospect. How that translates to the big league level they don’t know, but we’ve seen the track record has been good for Cuban players coming in and doing well in Major League Baseball,” said Rochie, noting the success of players like Yasiel Puig, Yoenis Cespedes and Jose Abreu. “He’s a switch-hitting 19-year-old with power. They project him as a third baseman but they can move him if they need to. He does everything well, but, he’s a prospect.

“It depends how he progresses and how rapidly he progresses, but my guess is a year or so, at least, before he gets going, and maybe two years before he becomes a major league player,” said Roche.

The Red Sox are pretty set at every position for the near future (minus the front of the rotation), so why spend over $60 million on an unknown? Roche said the team is acquiring as many pieces — or assets — as they can, and will let their play on the field dictate the future.

“I think when you look at it, they seem to have a plan not just for now, but for the next two or three years. They want to play it out. They have pieces now so if they have to go get that ace, they can trade a [Mookie] Betts or whoever,” said Roche. “They also look down the road and see [Mike] Napoli is in the final year of his deal. [David] Ortiz is 39-years-old. [Pablo] Sandoval, we all know his weight issue – so they could move him from third to first and make him a DH down the road.

“They have a lot of moving pieces,” said Roche. “What they’ve done is gathered as many assets as they can, and will just let time show who can and can’t play… You just don’t know with youth, so I think they’re just gathering as many assets and they’ll see how it plays out. They’ll use some as trade chips and others to maneuver in and out of positions.”

Roche also gives his thoughts on the future of Mookie Betts, and the healthy of Dustin Pedroia:

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/24/roche-red-sox-gathering-assets-will-see-how-it-all-plays-out/feed/0Badler On Yoan Moncada: Talented Enough To Be Cornerstone Playerhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/24/badler-on-yoan-moncada-talented-enough-to-be-cornerstone-player/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/24/badler-on-yoan-moncada-talented-enough-to-be-cornerstone-player/#commentsTue, 24 Feb 2015 13:42:41 +0000ACEhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=613060Ben Badler of Baseball America joined Adam Jones to break down the Red Sox signing of Yoan Moncada.]]>BOSTON (CBS) - The Red Sox dipped their toes into the international waters once again.

Over the summer it was outfielder Rusney Castillo, and Monday it was Yoan Moncada, a 19-year-old infield prospect considered the next big thing out of Cuba.

To learn more about the player, 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Adam Jones welcomed Baseball America’s Ben Badler to the show Monday night.

Jones began the interview referencing Badler’s tweet, and he was curious to know what Moncada brings to the table to be considered the Red Sox no. 1 prospect.

“Just about everything,” Badler said directly. “We were trying to figure out where to put him on our list, he ended up no. 10, but just in terms of the raw tools that he has, there’s really only one prospect in baseball that can match him tool-for-tool across the board, and that’s Byron Buxton from the Twins organization.”

“Everything that Moncada does is above average. He’s at least a plus-runner, he’s got a strong arm, above-average raw power and an excellent track record of hitting in games, whether it’s in the Cuban junior leagues or all these international tournaments where the scouts have seen him. He’s got premium bat speed. The only thing thing you can really pick him apart on are nitpicky-type stuff. He’s a switch hitter who’s much better from the left side.”

Ben Badler adds that Moncada will likely start the season in Single-A playing for the Red Sox Greenville affiliate, quickly ascend to Double-A Portland by the summertime and be major league-ready in 2016.

“[Moncada] is not going to play shortstop, but he’s going to be fine playing second base or third base. He has all the tools to be an above-average defender at either of those positions, he just hasn’t had the opportunity to showcase his talent in the minor leagues. All the talent is there to be a cornerstone type of player.”

With Dustin Pedroia and Pablo Sandoval signed long term, it would seem to reason that Moncada’s path to the majors would be blocked.

Badler insists he’s not a shortstop, and envisions the Red Sox experimenting with him between second and third base in the minors. Because of his strong arm, Moncada’s major league position could end up being the hot corner at third.

“He’s definitely the most hyped, and I think a lot of that is the success Cuban players have had here already. We see Yoenis Cespedes, we see Yasiel Puig, we see Jose Abreu, we see all these hitters who have come here [from Cuba] and really not lost a step,” said Passan.

“He’s a switch hitter with high-end speed who could develop a lot of power. Between those two things, a good hit tool, and the fact that he plays second or third base, we’re talking about a potential All-Star.”

After a myriad of teams were in the bidding for Moncada, the Red Sox prevailed by simply offering the most money to the latest Cuban sensation.

“It’s a very heft sum [of money] and I think that’s what scared teams off a little bit. The total cost for the star that a lot of teams think he can be is well over $100 million,” said Passan.

While the deal is clearly a substantial investment, it remains uncertain how long Moncada will play in the minors before making the jump to the pros.

“Every guy is different. It’s just so difficult to say because one guy did one thing, another is going to do another. I don’t think there’s any common thread here,” said Passan.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the signing is that the New York Yankees missed out, as they were seen as the favorite to land the infielder after hosting him for three private workouts.

“The Red Sox are spending like the Yankees and that’s the big shocker to me. The Yankees had by far spent the most time with him, put in due diligence, really had the greatest effort, and in the end they just didn’t step up with the money,” said Passan.

What is your reaction to the signing?

Listen below for the full discussion:

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/23/zo-bertrand-breaking-down-the-moncada-signing-with-jeff-passan/feed/0Zolak Does 180, Now Sold On Jameis Winstonhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/23/zolak-does-180-now-sold-on-jameis-winston/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/23/zolak-does-180-now-sold-on-jameis-winston/#commentsMon, 23 Feb 2015 19:12:44 +0000ACEhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=612891Scott Zolak says Tampa Bay can get started on drafting the contract for #1 overall pick Jameis Winston. Agree or disagree?]]>BOSTON (CBS) - The NFL Combine finishes up Monday in Indianapolis with the on-field workouts of the defensive back prospects, but one of the bigger storylines for many came just a few days ago when Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston wowed Steve Mariucci in the interview room.

Mariucci drew on a white board one of his favorite red zone plays, went through everybody’s responsibilities and what the quarterback should be looking for as the play develops. Winston stood up to draw the play, but was instructed to sit back down.

Quarterback Jameis Winston throws a pass during the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine on February 21, 2015 in Indianapolis. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Mariucci continued to chat with Winston, and after a few minutes passed he had to re-draw the play, complete with keys and check downs, only this time it wasn’t fresh in Winston’s mind. Winston aced Mariucci’s test, and all reports indicate that the former Heisman-winner was impressive in interview rooms all week long.

Winston’s football acumen was not lost on former NFL quarterback and Sports Hub personality Scott Zolak, who, like many, have been critical of the young man in the past for his many slip-ups.

After watching the interview with Mariucci, Zolak is more than sold on Jameis Winston and his ability to succeed at the NFL level.

“Winston is by far the no. 1 pick in the draft. End [the discussion] now. No. 1 pick. Get the deal going now. Marcus Mariota will be Ryan Tannehill, maybe not even that. If Mariota goes second or third pick he will be a bust. He’s just quiet. He gets in line. He’s just happy to be there; clean cut, well spoken, speak-when-spoken-to and all that. He doesn’t jump out to me. I need a guy that jumps out to me with confidence.

Quarterbacks Marcus Mariota of Oregon and Jameis Winston of Florida State look on during the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 21, 2015. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

“My program is in disarray. I need somebody to come in and take it and put it on their shoulders. Mariota ain’t that guy. He ain’t anywhere near it. I’m sorry. I think a guy like Jameis Winston can put a team on his back when he needs to. He’s done that at Florida State.”

Are you sold on Jameis Winston like Zo is?

Listen below:

Take Our Poll]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/23/zolak-does-180-now-sold-on-jameis-winston/feed/0Toucher & Rich: Dan Shonka’s NFL Combine Reviewhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/23/toucher-rich-dan-shonkas-nfl-combine-review/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/23/toucher-rich-dan-shonkas-nfl-combine-review/#commentsMon, 23 Feb 2015 17:00:42 +0000joshgutchesshttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=612747Scouting guru Dan Shonka joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich to offer his takeaways from the NFL Combine.]]>BOSTON (CBS) - With this weekend’s NFL Combine in the books and the draft almost two months away, scouting guru Dan Shonka joined 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich to offer his takeaways from the weekend. Shonka is a former NFL team scout and current general manager of Our Lads scouting services.

Shonka spoke to Toucher & Rich about how this upcoming draft class features depth in a position relevant to the New England Patriots: running back.

“You never know what Bill [Belichick] is going to do, but there are plenty of running backs and just because of that I think that [Shane] Vereen and [Stevan] Ridley are probably in jeopardy of getting resigned. They’ll probably take somebody in the third or fourth round,” said Shonka.

Shonka also explained how the NFL Combine may be overrated in terms of determining a player’s worth, but individual physicals and team interviews are certainly meaningful.

“Your interview is your whole time there. It’s not just 15 minutes — scouts will ask group leaders if they’re cooperative, do they get their butt out of bed, do they get out there on time, things like that. So it’s quite an interview process behind the scenes,” said Shonka.

The radio duo mentioned that Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota had previously been the consensus first pick, but now he appears to have fallen in various mock drafts. Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston is now expected to be taken first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“The only reason [Mariota] was at the top was because of Jameis Winston’s off the field problems. Now he’s beaten down those problems and he’s back on top,” said Shonka.

“The rest is going to be a battle of can Philadelphia get up to number two to get Mariota, or is he going to go to Tennessee. That is going to be the intriguing part of these next few months.”

While Shonka believes Winston will be the number one overall pick, he gave the nod of best overall player to Leonard Williams, a defensive end out of USC. He also noted a pair of wide receivers, West Virginia’s Kevin White and Alabama’s Amari Cooper, that will make significant impacts for their teams-to-be.

White is a 6’3″ jump-ball target while Cooper is a balanced receiver that won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver.

“It’s going to be between one of those two guys who’s going to be the top receiver, it’s just a matter of preference in what you’re looking for,” said Shonka.

The 2015 NFL Draft will take place April 30 – May 2 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago.

Saturday’s “Celtics @ 7″ on 98.5 The Sports Hub was a special post-deadline two-hour edition as host Adam Kaufman was joined throughout the program by CBSBostonSports.com C’s writer Brian Robb, along with SB Nation’s Paul Flannery.

Kaufman and Robb discussed the trades, what Thomas’s addition means for the franchise and how he can help going forward, as well as what the moves say about Ainge’s direction down the road. Flannery weighed in the moves as well, plus the other activity around the NBA and what that indicates for the Celts’ playoff chances.

Listen to the full two hours of Celtics @ 7 below

Celtics @ 7 Hour 1

Celtics @ 7 Hour 2

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/21/celtics-7-danny-ainge-receives-a-for-trade-deadline-performance/feed/8Friday Programming: Bruins-Blues On 98.5 The Sports Hub; Celtics-Kings On WZLXhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/20/friday-programming-bruins-blues-on-98-5-the-sports-hub-celtics-kings-on-wzlx/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/20/friday-programming-bruins-blues-on-98-5-the-sports-hub-celtics-kings-on-wzlx/#commentsFri, 20 Feb 2015 19:33:55 +0000Matthew Geaganhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=612342Both the Bruins and Celtics are in action Friday night, but the CBS Radio family has you covered.]]>BOSTON (CBS) - Both the Bruins and Celtics are in action Friday night, but the CBS Radio family has you covered.

The Boston Bruins look to snap a five-game winless skid when they visit the 37-16-4 St. Louis Blues. Rookie goaltender Malcolm Subban will make his NHL debut, and you can hear it all on 98.5 The Sports Hub. Pregame coverage with Dave Goucher and Bob Beers begins at 7:30pm, with the puck dropping shortly after 8pm.

Meanwhile, the Celtics start the unofficial second half of their season in Sacramento against the Kings. You can hear that game on WZLX 100.7FM, with Sean Grande and Cedric Maxwell kicking off coverage at 9:30pm, with tip-off set for just after 10pm.

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/20/friday-programming-bruins-blues-on-98-5-the-sports-hub-celtics-kings-on-wzlx/feed/2Stevens On Thomas: ‘He Can Create Offense In A Number Of Ways’http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/20/celtics-stevens-on-thomas-he-can-create-offense-in-a-number-of-ways/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/20/celtics-stevens-on-thomas-he-can-create-offense-in-a-number-of-ways/#commentsFri, 20 Feb 2015 19:06:09 +0000tfelix2014http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=612301BOSTON (CBS) - The Boston Celtics kick off the second half of their season Friday night in Sacramento, and head coach Brad Stevens can’t wait to see his newest player in action. The Celtics acquired point […]]]>BOSTON (CBS) -The Boston Celtics kick off the second half of their season Friday night in Sacramento, and head coach Brad Stevens can’t wait to see his newest player in action.

The Celtics acquired point guard Isaiah Thomas from the Suns just ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, sending Marcus Thornton and a 2016 first-round pick to Phoenix. A dynamic offensive player, Stevens is excited to see Thomas in action alongside the likes of Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart, but will have to wait a bit.

Thomas was heading to Boston on Friday and won’t join the team until later this weekend. Though he won’t be on the floor Friday night against the Kings, Stevens is happy that Danny Ainge was able to add a player with Thomas’ offensive ability to his rotation.

“He’s a guy who can create offense in a number of different ways,” Stevens said Friday on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak & Bertrand. “He can score off the ball or off of screens, but he’s really good with the ball and really good using high pick and rolls to score. He’s got great speed, he’s crafty and gets to the foul line.”

Stevens isn’t sure how the minutes will work just yet, and said he won’t classify Thomas as a point guard or shooting guard. He did say that Thomas will get plenty of playing time when he joins the team.

“I haven’t really thought about how we’re going to rotate guys, but I think we do have a good back court dynamic that has defended exceptionally well together. Adding Isaiah and his creativity to that mix is a good thing.”

While the Celtics added some offense on Thursday, they’ll be without one of their big men for the foreseeable future. Jared Sullinger is out indefinitely with a foot injury, adding further strain to Boston’s front court depth.

“I think it’s going to be a while, but I don’t know what the timing means. It’s not a fracture, it’s a stress reaction in his left foot. Those are just as scary and it could be an extended amount of time,” Stevens said. “The trainers don’t want to put a time frame on it, and that makes sense to me. The bottom line is we have to get him better and we have to get rid of that thing so he can move forward healthy.”

Listen to full segment, including Stevens’ thoughts on how the addition of Thomas plays into Marcus Smart’s role and a tough stretch ahead for his Celtics:

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/20/celtics-stevens-on-thomas-he-can-create-offense-in-a-number-of-ways/feed/5Murray: Should Betts Or Victorino Start In Right Field?http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/20/murray-should-betts-or-victorino-start-in-right-field/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/20/murray-should-betts-or-victorino-start-in-right-field/#commentsFri, 20 Feb 2015 15:28:17 +0000tfelix2014http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=612229Thursday night means it's time for some role play, with Joe Murray filling in for Adam Jones this week!]]>BOSTON (CBS) – Thursday night means it’s time for some role play, with Joe Murray filling in for Adam Jones this week!

You are Boston Celtics president Danny Ainge. How do you feel about the moves you made during the trade deadline?

Murray as Ainge: “We’re really happy with the moves we made today. We acquired Isaiah Thomas, who can play point guard in the league and help come off the bench. He also has a really good contract over the next three years.”

You are Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask. What is your take on your playing time right now?

Murray as Rask: “I’m playing way too much. My defense stinks. I stopped so many shots in that shootout Wednesday night against the Oilers and got no help from the team. I want a day off. I’m one of the better goaltenders in this league, but I can’t keep playing every day. However, I’m confident in this team and that if we do make it to the playoffs, that we can go on a nice little run.”

You are Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval. Are you happy with the shape you’re in coming off your big contract signing?

Murray as Sandoval: “Let the people talk and let them criticize. No matter what they say it will never change me or the player I am. I don’t care what those people say. I’ll be ready to play. Who cares if I’m fat? I put up numbers every year.”

You are Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino: What do you think about Mookie Betts potentially taking your job in right field?

Murray as Victorino: “I’ve been playing in this league for over 10 years and I’ve been successful. This kid has played 53 games. I’m coming off back surgery and everyone is doubting me. I have no intention to be beat out this year by this kid. But hey, if its not center field or right field here in Boston, I’ll play somewhere else if they don’t want me. If they want to move on from me, that’s fine. But I’m here and I’m ready to go to play right field for the Red Sox.”

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/20/murray-should-betts-or-victorino-start-in-right-field/feed/2Report: If Bruins Miss Playoffs, ‘Full Front Office Change’ Could Followhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/19/report-if-bruins-miss-playoffs-full-front-office-change-could-follow/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/19/report-if-bruins-miss-playoffs-full-front-office-change-could-follow/#commentsThu, 19 Feb 2015 17:14:11 +0000mfhurleyhttp://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=611852If the Bruins continue to slip and ultimately lose their spot in the postseason, there could be some major, major changes in the front office.]]>The Boston Bruins are in the midst of a treacherous skid, going 1-4-2 in the month of February, accentuated Wednesday night with a shootout loss to the worst team in the Western Conference after failing to score in 12 rounds of the shootout.

Clearly, the Bruins look to be worlds away from being a Stanley Cup-caliber team, and it’s gotten to the point where they don’t even necessarily look like a playoff team. They’re currently just three points ahead of the Florida Panthers for the final wild-card spot in the East, and their struggles have prevented them from gaining any separation in the standings.

“If the Bruins don’t qualify for the postseason, then absolutely you could see full front office change in the offseason. We’re talking about the dismissal of Peter Chiarelli or the head coach, Claude Julien. Both these guys know the amount of pressure that they’re feeling right now. They know it because they’re living it.”

Clearly, Bruins ownership is treating this season seriously, and Charlie Jacobs’ assertion that missing the playoffs would be unacceptable was no joke.

“I’m telling you right now, a playoff run for the Bruins should not save the job of Peter Chiarelli. Should not happen,” Bertrand said. “They get in and go on a little hot run, they get into the Eastern Conference finals, who knows, you miss Montreal in the first round, crazier things have happened in the NHL playoffs.”

“But if you’re winning and you keep it together and you do it over a stretch of time, you get credit for that,” Zolak replied.

“Yeah, you get credit for that, but I think that the moves that he made to put some of these guys in place … they have the worst cap situation in the NHL. That’s his doing. That’s the GM’s problem. And so, do you want him to try to fix the problems? Do you want him to start making trades for some bigger-name, bigger-salary players? We’ve seen how that works out for him — not well.”

“He has derailed what should be great years for the Bruins. They have taken a step back because of their roster management,” Bertrand said. “If you’re thinking about firing him if you don’t make the playoffs, then just fire him now. And don’t get into this situation where you don’t want him there and you thought you were going to fire him but then you went on this little run so you have to keep him. And then you’re just stuck in an awkward situation. So go ahead and do it now before the deadline.”

Listen to the full discussion below:

]]>http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/19/report-if-bruins-miss-playoffs-full-front-office-change-could-follow/feed/3Murray: Why Extend John Farrell Now?http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/19/murray-why-extend-john-farrell-now/
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/19/murray-why-extend-john-farrell-now/#commentsThu, 19 Feb 2015 16:24:47 +0000tfelix2014http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=611751Entering his third year at the helm, it's been a mixed bag for Red Sox manager John Farrell. So why extend his contract now?]]>BOSTON (CBS) - 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Joe Murray and Marshall Hook filled in for Adam Jones and Rich Keefe Wednesday night, and during the show they spent some time discussing Red Sox manager John Farrell, and the CSNNE report that states the team is in preliminary discussions to extend his contract.

Entering his third year at the helm, it’s been a mixed bag for Farrell. The skipper was able to bring a championship to Boston in 2013, but quickly fell down the AL East standings in 2014, finishing dead last with a 71-91 record.

Even though the Red Sox faltered last season coming off a World Series win, Ian Browne of MLB.com likes the overall idea of the contract extension.

“The Red Sox are showing their faith in John Farrell and that they haven’t given up on him after one bad year,” Browne told Murray and Hook. “Why have the distraction of an option year hanging over Farrell’s head when you can just give him some security and show him that he’s the guy going forward?”

It’s a general rule of thumb that, as an organization, you don’t want your head coach in a “lame duck” year. But this technically isn’t a lame duck year, because the three-year contract he signed in November 2012 includes a team option for 2016.

With that being said, Joe Murray is not on board with the latest news.

“He’s going to manage this year, and then pick up the option next year, and then you re-evaluate the situation,” Murray said. “I don’t understand extending Farrell right now just so the players believe in him.”